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This Programme Strangulates  Friday Prayer” — MURIC Slams Olubadan Coronation Schedule

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The coronation planning committee for the installation of the new Olubadan of Ibadan has unveiled a week-long programme of events to mark the ascension of former Oyo State Governor, Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, as the new monarch. However, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has strongly criticized the schedule, alleging that it disregards the religious sensitivities of the Muslim community. “This programme strangulates the Muslim Friday prayer,” said Professor Ishaq Akintola, Executive Director of MURIC, in a statement issued to the press.

According to MURIC, the coronation programme begins on Monday, 22nd September 2025, with an inter-religious prayer session, followed by a cultural fiesta, a coronation lecture, and separate Islamic and Christian prayer events on subsequent days. “The first four days are in order,” Akintola noted, “but the Friday schedule is provocative and insensitive.” He emphasized that the main coronation event is slated for Friday, 26th September at 9 a.m., a time that overlaps with the Muslim Jumu’ah prayer.

MURIC expressed concern that no mention was made of any mosque-based activity or Jumu’ah prayer in the programme, while a Christian Thanksgiving Service scheduled for Sunday, 28th September at the Catholic Cathedral, Oke Padre, was prominently featured. “This is an attempt to Christianise the coronation ceremony,” Akintola alleged, adding that the omission of Friday prayers sends a troubling message to Muslim attendees.

The group further criticized the scheduling of a reception at 1 p.m. on the same Friday, a time traditionally reserved for Jumu’ah prayers. “Who does not know that Muslims are expected to be in the mosque by 1 p.m. on Fridays?” Akintola asked. He described the timing as a “punch below the belt” and called for an urgent review of the programme to accommodate Muslim worship.

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MURIC urged the planning committee to demonstrate religious inclusivity by introducing a “Thanksgiving Jumu’ah Service” at 1 p.m. on Friday and shifting the reception to 3 p.m. Alternatively, the group proposed moving the coronation ceremony itself to Saturday, 27th September, which is currently free of any scheduled events. “Saturday is the best day for the coronation ceremony per se,” Akintola advised, “as it would relieve the planners of any form of pressure while avoiding a clash with Friday prayers.”

The organization also referenced past incidents involving Governor Seyi Makinde, accusing him of a pattern of scheduling official events during Friday prayer hours. “At the road commissioning in Iseyin on 15th September 2023, the governor arrived late, making Muslim guests uncomfortable,” Akintola recalled. He also cited the coronation of the late Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, on Friday, 12th July 2024, where Muslim attendees reportedly missed prayers due to Makinde’s delayed arrival.

MURIC had previously issued a statement on 15th July 2024 titled “MURIC To Makinde: Stop Friday Programs,” warning against the scheduling of state events during Muslim worship hours. “Seyi Makinde has come after Friday again,” Akintola declared. “This coming coronation programme will be the third example. Once is happenstance, twice is coincidence, the third time is enemy action.”

While the government has denied involvement in the coronation planning, MURIC remains unconvinced. “How are we sure the committee has not kowtowed to the whims of the state governor?” Akintola asked, reiterating the need for equitable religious representation. “Muslim leaders from across the country will be present. They should not leave with the impression that Friday prayer is not recognized by the Oyo State government.”

In conclusion, MURIC called for a balanced approach to the coronation schedule, urging the committee to respect the religious diversity of Ibadan and Nigeria at large. “Our suggestion is simple: review the programme and ensure that Muslims are not alienated,” Akintola said. “Let the coronation reflect the pluralistic spirit of our society.”

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‎China, Nigeria Mark Friendship with Joint Cultural Mural

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‎A colourful mural celebrating both China’s National Day and Nigeria’s Independence Day has been unveiled at an overseas project site, serving as a vivid symbol of the enduring friendship between the two nations.
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‎The artwork, jointly produced by Chinese and Nigerian staff, features builders dressed in traditional Chinese costumes and Nigerian ethnic attire holding hands and dancing together.
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Above them, fireworks and white doves of peace illuminate the sky, while the inscription “10.1” highlights the dual significance of October 1, the China’s National Day and Nigeria’s Independence Day.
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‎On the left side of the mural, ancient Chinese architecture, red lanterns and auspicious cloud motifs showcase Chinese heritage.
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On the right, red earth, coconut palms and African drums reflect Nigeria’s cultural identity. Flowing ribbons weave across the painting, symbolising unity and shared destiny.
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‎Project officials described the mural as a “living testament” to cooperation at the frontline of development. They said it embodies mutual trust and support as workers from both countries overcome challenges together.
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‎The initiative underscores cultural integration and partnership, with both sides pledging to continue working hand in hand to strengthen ties.
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“Celebrating two festivals as one, we march forward with one heart,” a statement read, emphasising the commitment to write new chapters of friendship along the path of cooperation.
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‎The mural, rooted in the overseas project site, stands as a reminder of the brotherly bond between China and Nigeria, and the shared vision of building together for a brighter future.

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Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso Celebrates Senator Lado @60, Says Is A Political Dogma

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From Muhammad Kabir Kano

The spokesperson of Political Appointees Forum from Kano State, Dr. Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso, has described Senator Basheer Lado, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on National Assembly Matters (Senate), who also doubles as the Chairman of the Appointees, on his 60th birthday, as a Political Blog who plays the game with maturity and respect.

Kwankwaso who also describes Senator as Political Dogma, praised his contributions to democratic governance, humanitarian services and national development.

“Senator Lado is a dependable public servant and accomplished legislator whose experience had helped strengthen relations between the Executive and the Senate and also steer ship the activities of the Political Appointees with huge respect and understanding”,

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He said it is on notice that Lado served in the Senate for four years before his by late President Buhari on Relief agency and subsequent appointment as Tinubu’s liaison officer in the upper chamber of the National Assembly.

Lado represented Kano Central Senatorial District in the Seventh National Assembly from 2011 to 2015, where he served as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works.

Lado facilitated several constituency projects, including the Kundila Bridge, popularly known as Gadar Lado, in Kano State. His contributions to humanitarian services through his previous roles as Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, and Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

He said Lado contributed to protecting vulnerable Nigerians, combating human trafficking and improving the welfare and rehabilitation of displaced persons.

Kwankwaso further commended the senator’s humanitarian initiatives through the Ladon Alheri Foundation, particularly in education, healthcare, women’s economic empowerment, rural water supply and support for disadvantaged communities.

” Lado’s contributions across public service reflected his commitment to national development and the welfare of Nigerians”, he added.

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EFCC Reopens Atiku’s Alleged Financial Crimes Probe

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reopened its investigation into allegations against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar following a petition by former House of Representatives member, Hon. Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, seeking his prosecution over alleged financial crimes.

The petition seeks to revive a case dating back to 2006, asking the anti-graft agency to revisit its investigation under former chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and consider a subsequent report by a United States Senate subcommittee.

Speaking on the development, Agbonayinma said the EFCC had acknowledged his petition, dated August 27, 2026, and received on September 1. Filed through his lawyer, Chief Hannibal Egbe Uwaifo, SAN, the petition asks the commission to reactivate its earlier report and act on the allegations.

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The former lawmaker appeared at the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, where he adopted the petition and answered questions from investigators.

Agbonayinma said the matter should not be allowed to remain unresolved.

“I want to thank Nigerians, the EFCC, and those praying for me in this struggle. The laws are meant for both the rich and the poor. After the EFCC has done a fantastic job, it should not be kept under the table,” he said.

In the petition, Agbonayinma urged the EFCC to revisit its September 2006 report on Atiku and a February 4, 2010, report by the US Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, arguing that both documents should form the basis for renewed action.

The petition alleged that the EFCC had previously indicated that Atiku could face prosecution after leaving office as vice-president, when his constitutional immunity ceased to apply, but that no prosecution followed.

Agbonayinma described the alleged failure to act as a dereliction of duty and argued that pursuing the matter would demonstrate the commission’s resolve to hold politically influential figures accountable.

He also disclosed that he had petitioned US President Donald Trump over the allegations.

The EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, had yet to respond to messages seeking an update on the investigation as of the time of filing this report.

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